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Dubrovnik, Croatia is a sight to behold. Nicknamed ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic,’ the old walled city is perfectly perched along the teal waters of the Adriatic Sea at the base of Mount Srd. While navigating the cobblestone streets and taking in the historic sights within the UNESCO protected old town is a must, seeing Dubrovnik from afar can be even more spectacular. Visitors can find the best views – and snap iconic Dubrovnik pictures – using our list of recommended Dubrovnik viewpoints.
The Best Dubrovnik Viewpoints
Dubrovnik is one of the best places to see in Croatia. The city lands on nearly every Croatia Itinerary…and for good reason! It’s simply stunning.
We include everything you need to know about where to go in Dubrovnik, Croatia for the best views and photos! In addition to the information about each spot, we include details on where to get the best photos, how to get there – and even include a link to a helpful Dubrovnik map at the end of the post.
Bookmark, Pin or Save this Croatia Travel Guide to plan your Dubrovnik Trip!
#1 Walls of Dubrovnik Scenic Outlooks
The Dubrovnik City Walls are the top attraction – and it’s easy to see why! The elevated Dubrovnik Wall Walk offers incredible, up-close views of the gorgeous old town. Visitors can climb into towers, peer down the length of the Stradun and look over the orange tiled rooftops of historic Dubrovnik.
The best time to walk the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik is early in the morning, when they first open. The light will be softer (which is best for capturing Dubrovnik images), the temps will be cooler and the crowds will be thinner.
Best Views from Dubrovnik Old Town Walls
All of the views from the fortified Dubrovnik, Croatia walls are impressive, but we think the best views are from the northwest tower, Tvrdava Minceta. From the Minceta Tower, there is a panoramic view the entire city of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.
Also, not-to-be-missed from the Dubrovnik Walls is the view from above the Pile Gate. Stand above the gate and take pictures of Dubrovnik Old Town, straight down the most famous street in Croatia, the Stradun, all the way to the Dubrovnik clock tower.
Dubrovnik City Walls Tour
The complete length of the walls is a about 1.2 miles so plan on taking 1-2 hours to enjoy the views. It is a popular tourist attraction, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning.
Tickets are required for admission to the Walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The cost is 35 euros for adults and 15 euros for children 8 to 18 (free for kids ages 7 and younger). The ticket includes St. Lawrence Fort – Lovrijenac Fortress – which ranks #3 on our Dubrovnik Viewpoint list.
Visitors can choose to explore on their own (buy your ticket in advance!) or join a Dubrovnik Wall Tour (this tour actually combines the city walls with an Old Town walking tour!).
There are two entry points to the walls; the main entrance is by the Pile Gate and the second entrance is near the Ploce Gate. Look for the framed signs with “Gradske Zidine” (City Walls) translated into several languages. If you can’t find it, ask someone; people are happy to point you in the right direction!
Dubrovnik Wall Hours 2023
- January, February, March: 9:00 to 15:00
- April, May, June: 10:00 to 17:00
- July: 8:00 to 19:30
- August: 8:00 to 19:00
- September 1-14: 8:00 to 18:30
- September 15-30: 8:00 to 18:00
- October: 8:00 to 17:30
- November, December: 9:00 to 15:00 (Closed Christmas Day)
#2 Mount Srd Dubrovnik Viewpoints
For people who like an all-encompassing view, there is no better place for a panoramic view of Dubrovnik than the top of Mt. Srd. The rocky mountain stands tall above town and provides the absolute best vantage point of Old City Dubrovnik.
At the summit, there is a restaurant and Fort Imperial, which houses the Homeland War Museum. However, it is the stunning Dubrovnik viewpoint that enticed us to go the top (more than once!). All along the ridge, there are sensational views of Old Town Dubrovnik and Adriatic Sea.
Best Dubrovnik Photo from Mt. Srd
The view from Mt. Srd is a Dubrovnik Must-See. From the hilltop, you can take the best pictures of Dubrovnik, Croatia that clearly show the walled city and the islands that dot the sea.
While there are viewing platforms with binoculars (between the fort and the restaurant at the cable car station), we think the location of the best views are on either side of the buildings in the open area along the ridge.
A clear, sunny day is essential to get the best images of Dubrovnik, Croatia. And, whether you stand to the left or right of the buildings at the summit will depend on what time of day you arrive and the angle of the sun.
Top Tip: Wondering where to watch sunset in Dubrovnik? We have only visited Mt. Srd during the day, but we’ve been told that Dubrovnik sunsets are spectacular from the Srd mountaintop!
How To Get To Mount Srd to See Dubrovnik from Above
There are four popular ways to get to the top of Mount Srd: Dubrovnik Cable Car, Hike, Bus or Tour. Of those options, the only free way to get to the top is to lace up your shoes and hike it!
Read all our Tips for getting to the Top of Mount Srd!
#3 St. Lawrence Fort Vista (Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik)
Stoically standing on a rocky outcrop outside the western Pile Gate, the Fort of St. Lawrence provides an iconic Dubrovnik view of the outer walls and the sea below.
Built in the 11th century, the 120-foot-tall Fort Lovrijenac stands atop a cliff, protecting the small (and original) Dubrovnik harbor. Visitors, however, do not need to go inside the fort to capture the beautiful photos of Dubrovnik, Croatia…they only need to walk up to the entrance.
The Best Views in Dubrovnik, Croatia
For us, this Dubrovnik viewpoint, more than any other, accurately depicts the city’s nickname, ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic.’ While standing just in front of the fort, visitors are treated to the most beautiful view of the outer wall.
The stout Bokar Tower and southwestern wall rise starkly from atop the rocks and the mesmerizing turquoise sea.
If you’re an early riser, we think this view from the fort is a nice Dubrovnik sunrise spot, too.
How To Get To This Dubrovnik Viewpoint
As one of the Dubrovnik best photo spots, it is fairly easy to get to the viewpoint.
From the Old Town, exit the Pile Gate and walk through the square on the right. Make your way down the stairs to the small waterfront and pier between the Old City and the Fort of St. Lawrence.
Follow the path to the stairs that lead up to the fort entrance, but before reaching it, step off the main trail for the best snapshots near the edge of the cliff. Use caution, especially if it’s windy!
Bonus; Viewpoint Dubrovnik Harbor Pier
While most of our recommended Dubrovnik, Croatia views are elevated perches, we also like the viewpoint from the small harbor pier that sits between the massive walls of Dubrovnik and the fort perched on the peninsula.
The sea level vantage point stirs a sense of splendor as the walls rise grandly from the water – which is why we think it is one of the best Dubrovnik photo spots.
Game of Thrones’ King’s Landing: Fans of GOT will likely recognize St. Lawrence Fort – as it is one of the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones filming locations. Dubrovnik is the real-life King’s Landing.
#4 Dubrovnik Parking Lot Bluff Panorama
The bluff to the west of St. Lawrence Fort is used as a parking lot – and yet it is one of the most beautiful places in Dubrovnik and a great spot for photography. (Seriously, who uses a scenic outlook for a parking lot?!)
Once you get past the cars, there are expansive views of the Adriatic Sea and Old Town Dubrovnik peeking out in the distance. The rocky area allows for fun exploration, in addition to the amazing Dubrovnik views.
Best Dubrovnik Pics from the Bluff
The southeast corner of the peninsula is the best spot to take photos of Dubrovnik Old Town. From the lookout point, you can frame St. Lawrence, the Old Town Walls and Lokrum Island into your shot.
However, climbing carefully down onto the rocks along the southern shoreline can add some interesting dimensions to your photos, just use caution!
How To Get To This Dubrovnik Viewpoint
From the Pile Gate, it is less than a 10-minute walk to the Parking Lot viewpoint through a residential neighborhood and out to the peninsula. You can use these walking directions on Google Maps.
Bonus: More Western Coastline Views
For more incredible coastline views, continue walking west on the dirt trail from the top of the bluff. It leads to St. Mary in Dancama Convent, a small church and cemetery – and beyond that the Dance Public Beach. Like many of the Dubrovnik beaches along the coast, rather than sand, this beach is composed of natural rocks and concrete steps leading into the water.
Continuing along the road next to the church, turn inland to a forested area. Here, a series of paths on multiple levels wind through the park. We found a few lookout points over the sea, some benches along the trails and a staircase that led down to the water and a smaller beach.
With the setting sun showering the rocks in warm light, it is the perfect place listen to the sea crash against the shore and take remarkable shoreline photographs.
#5 East Coastline Dubrovnik Scenic Lookout Points
Outside the Old Town, along the eastern coastline, there are several stunning viewpoints of Dubrovnik. Exiting the city through the Ploce Gate and following paths to the shoreline reveals some of the best Dubrovnik views.
We often set off, without a specific destination in mind, and walked on the road next to the coast, turning back to check the views of the walled city in the distance. Anytime there was a clear view, we stopped and gawked, but we had a suspicion that better views were awaiting us around the next corner.
Photos of Dubrovnik above Banje Beach
Banje Beach is the most popular beach in Dubrovnik…and some of the best pictures of the city are taken from the stairs above it. We like this viewpoint best at sunrise, when the light is softest and the beach is empty.
Best Photo Spots Dubrovnik: Staircase Down To Secret Viewpoint
Okay, this may not really be a secret anymore, but we can’t find a name for it…and it’s one of our favorite viewpoints! Located less than a mile from Ploce Gate, take the stairs down that lead down to a rocky beach with a phenomenal scenic lookout point over the sea back towards Dubrovnik.
How To Find the Secret Lookout Viewpoint Dubrovnik
To get there, exit Ploce Gate and walk east along the main coastline road, Frana Supila. Walk past Hotel Excelsior and Grand Villa Argentina, then veer to the right at the split in the road onto Vlaha Bukovca.
Continue walking about a quarter of a mile to a simple staircase leading down toward the water. Climb down and continue east on the wide, paved path that extends across the top of the cliff.
The footpath ends, but a dirt trail continues through trees to more stairs leading to an expansive rocky shore on the sea. Walk out onto the boulders for the stunning picturesque view of Dubrovnik. Use this location.
Sveti Jakov Beach, Dubrovnik View
Even further to the east is St. Jacob’s Beach. Although much further away, the secluded beach offers excellent views of Dubrovnik from a distance.
Top Tip: There are several private entrances along the eastern coast, which will likely have locked gates. Don’t trespass on private property; stick to the public viewpoints!
Dubrovnik Viewpoint Dining
We love to linger at the viewpoints in Dubrovnik. Having a meal or drink with a view is one of the best ways to enjoy a Dubrovnik viewpoint – and you don’t need to go to a restaurant to do it!
We often bring our own picnic, bottle of wine or a few beers so that we can relax and savor the Dubrovnik view.
Many bakeries sell sandwiches-to-go or you can stop at a grocery store to gather picnic essentials, which is one great way to experience Dubrovnik on a budget! If getting wine or beer, don’t forget an opener and cups for the wine. And, of course, take your trash with you, so it doesn’t end up in the sea!
Dubrovnik Viewpoint Map
Use this link to Google Maps for our Views of Dubrovnik map online.
What You Will Need For Your Dubrovnik, Croatia Trip
Although not absolutely necessary, we recommend packing the following when visiting our list of Dubrovnik viewpoints.
Best Travel Camera for Great Dubrovnik Photos
Sure, you can capture the sights with your phone camera, but we highly recommend upgrading to a real travel camera to take the best pictures of Dubrovnik!
We use a Canon Rebel, with an 18-135mm lens. The zoom is ideal for capturing details from far away, without it being too heavy or clunky. However, for a great budget camera we also recommend a Canon Powershot, which is slim, lightweight and takes good photos as well.
Walking Shoes and Day Pack for Dubrovnik
While it is possible to get to all of the viewpoints in flip flops, we don’t recommend it. A good pair of travel shoes will allow for stability when scurrying over rocks and up steps to find the best spots to take in the scene.
I pack these shoes by Columbia and Kris prefers wearing these by Merrell. And whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll won’t want to forget to have a great day bag to carry all your everyday essential travel items!
Dubrovnik Travel Map
A paper map is helpful when trying to find the best scenic lookout points in Dubrovnik. Not only can you use it to find the spots, but you can make notes on your map so that you can remember exactly where you took your photos later on.
Travel Insurance for your Trip to Croatia
If you haven’t purchased travel insurance, consider traveling protected with coverage for your trip on World Nomads. It may help with lost luggage, canceled flights or if you become ill.
A Guide of the Top Things To Do in Dubrovnik
Planning a Trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Finding the best views in Dubrovnik is just one aspect of planning your trip to Europe. Before you set off on your travels, be sure to read our Guide to Planning a Croatia Vacation for our best advice and insider tips.
You will also want to get (and stay) organized for your trip by using our Trip Planning Printables!
Looking for more Top Destinations in Croatia to take amazing photos? We don’t blame you!
Before you go be sure to read our detailed guides and insider tips to Split, Zagreb, Makarska, Sibenik, Rovinj, Zadar and Pula!
Interested in Croatian Island Hopping? Super! Get ready for an incredible holiday with our best advice for visiting Hvar, Korcula, Brac and Vis!
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!
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